NEA: National Education Association
The National Education Association is the national branch of the Association. With its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NEA has 2.7 million members who work at every level of education, from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliates in every state, as well as in more than 13,000 local communities across the United States.    The NEA was founded in 1857 "to elevate the character and advance the interests of the profession of teaching and to promote the cause of popular education in the United States".	Its mission statement says:    "To fulfill the promise of a democratic society, the National Education Association shall promote the cause of quality public education and advance the profession of education; expand the rights and further the interest of educational employees; and advocate human, civil, and economic rights for all."    In pursuing its mission, the NEA has determined that it will focus the energy and resources of its 2.7 million members toward the "restoration of public confidence in public education."	Carol Mertz and Mike Kruczek, teachers at Phillipsburg HS, were NJ delegates to this year's national convention in Wash., D. C.. Their familiarity with the NEA gives us an opportunity to work closely with this branch of the Association. Reg Weaver NEA President    To learn more about the NEA, visit its website by clicking here.

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